Business Details
50 Years
experience
Expert Guitar Lessons in Bolton
Bolton Guitar Studio was established in 1976 by Simon J Lilley, a professional guitarist with over 40 years of playing experience and 35 years of teaching expertise. Our studio specialises in guitar tuition across multiple genres including rock, blues, jazz, folk, flamenco, and classical, catering to students from absolute beginners to advanced musicians preparing for GCSE and ABRSM exams. We offer tailored lessons that focus on developing individual styles, technique refinement, and performance readiness. With a deep understanding of diverse musical traditions, we provide expert guidance on instrument selection and music theory. Our commitment to quality education is rooted in decades of professional performance, recording, and publishing experience.We also teach ukulele, mandolin, and banjo, covering styles from George Formby-inspired techniques to bluegrass and classical. Our flexible approach accommodates both in-person and Skype lessons, ensuring accessibility for all learners. The studio's reputation for excellence has been built through consistent delivery of personalised instruction that meets each student's unique goals. Our teaching philosophy combines technical mastery with creative expression, helping students develop both practical skills and musical understanding. This long-standing local business continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of fostering musical growth through expert tuition.
Services
Guitar Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Mandolin Lessons
Banjo Lessons
Music Exam Preparation
Online Guitar Tuition
Classical Guitar Instruction
Rock and Blues Tuition
Folk Music Training
Jazz Guitar Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of teaching experience and 40 years of professional playing expertise
- We offer tuition in multiple musical genres from classical to contemporary styles
- Our lessons prepare students for GCSE and ABRSM music examinations
- We teach guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo with individualised instruction
- We provide both in-studio and online Skype lessons for flexibility
Services
Guitar Lessons
Professional guitar instruction covering rock, blues, jazz, folk and classical styles. Tailored lessons for all skill levels from beginners to advanced musicians. Focus on technique development, music theory and performance preparation with experienced tuition that adapts to individual learning needs.
Ukulele Lessons
Comprehensive ukulele tuition including soprano, concert and tenor models. Lessons cover George Formby style, modern folk and pop techniques. Instruction focuses on rhythm patterns, strumming techniques and progression from basic to advanced playing skills with expert guidance.
Mandolin Lessons
Specialist mandolin instruction in bluegrass, folk and classical styles. Teaching includes reading music, tablature interpretation and technique development. Covers different mandolin types and their musical applications with practical performance training.
Banjo Lessons
Expert tuition on 5-string banjo covering clawhammer and Scruggs styles. Lessons include instrument fundamentals, playing techniques and musical applications across country, folk and bluegrass genres with progressive skill development.
Exam Preparation
Specialised training for GCSE and ABRSM examinations. Comprehensive preparation covering practical performance, music theory and technical requirements. Personalised instruction to develop examination-ready skills with proven teaching methodologies.
People
Simon J Lilley
Owner & Lead Guitar Instructor
Professional guitarist with 40 years playing experience and 35 years teaching expertise. Holds ALCM, LLCM and FTCL qualifications. Specialises in multiple guitar styles and has extensive performance, recording and publishing experience.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Bolton Guitar Studio?
We offer tuition in guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo with experienced instructors.
Do you teach complete beginners?
Yes, we welcome absolute beginners of all ages and help them develop foundational skills.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we offer Skype lessons for students who prefer remote learning options.
Do you prepare students for music exams?
Yes, we provide preparation for GCSE and ABRSM examinations with theory and practical training.
What musical styles do you teach?
We cover rock, blues, jazz, folk, flamenco, classical and contemporary styles with customised instruction.
How experienced are your instructors?
Our lead instructor has 40 years of playing experience and 35 years of teaching expertise.
Reviews (5)
Pedro Martinez
Oct 22, 2021
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Every guitar instructor posting tutorials on YouTube, should watch Borton’s guitar tutorials. They are the best by far!
David Sandbach
Dec 22, 2018
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Brilliant tutor - I had never played banjo before but after two lessons I could play the opening bit.of ' Dueling Banjos' . Can recommend a great teacher.
Steve Fairclough
Nov 16, 2016
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Simon set me on a path that has allowed me to travel the world, earn a fantastic living, and provide for my family throughout the years. When every schoolteacher tried to convince me I would never 'amount to anything', Simon continued to encourage and inspire. Music has been my life, and for that I thank my Sensei... Eternally grateful.
Peter Johnson
Dec 11, 2015
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A fantastic guitar teacher with lots of experience . I will bring a cd for him to work out and he can transcribe it on the spot. I have improved my playing by a 100% since starting lessons with Simon.
Andy Blundell
Nov 20, 2015
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Really good experience when I bought my guitar, still loving it several months later with no problems. Great advice and help choosing without the hard-sell. Couldn't be more pleased with the purchase.
*update*
I've since been for several guitar lessons, the atmosphere is friendly and Simon is very knowledgeable. He's quite witty too so you quickly feel relaxed and don't feel embarrased when you have trouble playing a piece. A great local shop and the guitar lessons are even better. I gave five stars for my initial review but I'd give more now if it were possible.
*update*
I've since been for several guitar lessons, the atmosphere is friendly and Simon is very knowledgeable. He's quite witty too so you quickly feel relaxed and don't feel embarrased when you have trouble playing a piece. A great local shop and the guitar lessons are even better. I gave five stars for my initial review but I'd give more now if it were possible.
